GRE vs. GMAT: Which Should You Take for MBA Admissions? (2025 Update)
For decades, the GMAT was the only test for business school. If you wanted an MBA, you took the GMAT.
That has changed. Today, over 90% of business schools (including Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton) accept both the GMAT and the GRE.
But just because you can take either doesn’t mean you should.
In late 2023 and 2024, both exams underwent massive changes. The GMAT Focus Edition replaced the old GMAT, and the GRE General Test was shortened to under 2 hours.
This guide will help you decide which test plays to your strengths.
The Short Answer
- Take the GMAT if: You are a “Quant” person. You are good at logic, data analysis, and mental math. You are applying only to business schools and want to signal your commitment to the MBA path.
- Take the GRE if: You are a “Verbal” person. You have a strong vocabulary but struggle with complex logic puzzles. You are considering other graduate degrees (Master’s in Public Policy, Data Science, etc.) alongside an MBA.
The 2025 Landscape: What Changed?
Both exams are now shorter and more streamlined.
| Feature | GMAT Focus Edition | GRE General Test (New) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Time | 2 Hours, 15 Minutes | 1 Hour, 58 Minutes |
| Sections | Quant, Verbal, Data Insights | Quant, Verbal, Analytical Writing |
| Scoring | 205-805 (Total) | 130-170 (per section) |
| Calculator | No (Quant), Yes (Data Insights) | Yes (On-screen for Quant) |
| Adaptivity | Question-Adaptive | Section-Adaptive |
| Geometry | Removed | Included |
| Sentence Correction | Removed | N/A |
| Essay | Removed | 1 Essay (“Analyze an Issue”) |
Key Takeaway: The “Math” is Different
The removal of Geometry from the GMAT is huge for some students. If you hated memorizing formulas for circles and triangles, the GMAT might be more appealing now. However, the GMAT replaced it with Data Insights, which tests your ability to analyze charts, graphs, and tables-a skill highly relevant to business school.
Difficulty Comparison
Quantitative Reasoning (Math)
- GMAT Quant: Generally considered harder in terms of logic. It doesn’t test advanced calculus, but the questions are tricky. They are designed to trap you if you aren’t thinking critically. You cannot use a calculator.
- GRE Quant: More straightforward. If you know the math concepts (Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Data Analysis), you can solve the problems. You get an on-screen calculator. However, the curve is harsh-missing just one question can drop your score significantly.
Winner for “Math Phobes”: GRE (usually). The calculator and straightforward questions make it less intimidating, though you still need to study.
Verbal Reasoning
- GMAT Verbal: Focuses on Critical Reasoning (analyzing arguments) and Reading Comprehension. They removed Sentence Correction (grammar), which used to be the hardest part for non-native speakers.
- GRE Verbal: Focuses heavily on Vocabulary. You will need to memorize hundreds of obscure words for the Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence questions.
Winner for Non-Native Speakers: GMAT. The removal of the grammar-heavy Sentence Correction section and the lack of obscure vocabulary makes the new GMAT Verbal more accessible if your logical reasoning is strong.
Do Schools Prefer the GMAT?
Admissions committees (AdComs) will tell you they have “no preference.” For the most part, this is true. They want to see a high score, period.
However, there are two nuances:
- Scholarships: Some merit-based scholarships are still tied to GMAT scores.
- Career Signaling: If you are aiming for a post-MBA career in Management Consulting (McKinsey, Bain, BCG) or Investment Banking, the GMAT is sometimes viewed as a stronger signal of your quantitative aptitude. Some firms even ask for your GMAT score during recruitment.
How to Decide: The Diagnostic Test
The only way to know for sure is to take a practice test for each.
- Take a free official GMAT Focus practice exam from mba.com.
- Take a free official GRE practice exam from ets.org.
- Compare your percentile rankings.
If you score in the 80th percentile on the GMAT and the 60th on the GRE without studying, your choice is clear.
Summary
| Choose GMAT If… | Choose GRE If… |
|---|---|
| You are strong in logic and data analysis. | You have a strong vocabulary. |
| You struggle with Geometry. | You struggle with mental math (need a calculator). |
| You want to work in consulting/finance. | You are unsure about an MBA vs. other grad degrees. |
| You hate writing essays. | You are comfortable writing essays. |
Ready to start studying? Check out our guide to the Best GMAT Prep Courses or Best GRE Prep Courses.